Definition
A shot list is a structured document that catalogs every camera setup needed to cover a scene or sequence. Each entry specifies the shot type, camera angle, camera movement, lens, subject, and a brief description of what the camera captures.
Unlike a storyboard (which is visual) or a script (which focuses on story), a shot list is a logistical planning tool. It translates creative intent into a concrete, executable plan for the shooting day.
What a Shot List Entry Includes
A complete shot list entry typically contains:
- Scene and shot number — "Scene 4, Shot 3" or "4-3"
- Shot type — wide shot, medium, close-up, ECU, OTS, etc.
- Camera angle — eye level, low angle, high angle, Dutch angle
- Camera movement — static, pan, tilt, dolly in, tracking, crane
- Lens — focal length (24mm, 50mm, 85mm, etc.)
- Description — what the camera sees in this shot
- Equipment — tripod, dolly, Steadicam, drone, slider
- Estimated duration — how long the shot plays on screen
- Notes — special requirements (VFX, stunts, props, extras)
Shot List vs. Storyboard
| Aspect | Shot List | Storyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Text/table | Illustrated panels |
| Primary user | Director, AD, DP | Director, DP, VFX |
| Answers | "What shots do we need?" | "What will each shot look like?" |
| Scheduling use | High (drives the shooting schedule) | Low (does not include logistics) |
| Visual detail | None (text descriptions only) | Full (shows composition, framing) |
Shot lists and storyboards are complementary, not competing. The shot list tells the crew what to shoot. The storyboard shows the crew what it should look like. Most professional productions use both.
How to Create a Shot List
Step 1. Read the scene in the script and identify every story beat that requires a new camera setup.
Step 2. For each beat, decide the shot type, angle, and movement that best serves the story.
Step 3. Organize shots by setup efficiency — grouping shots that use the same camera position together, even if they appear at different points in the scene. This saves time on set.
Step 4. Add technical details (lens, equipment, duration) for each shot.
Step 5. Review with the cinematographer and assistant director. The DP will have input on lenses and camera movement. The AD will use the list to estimate the shooting schedule.
Example
| # | Type | Angle | Movement | Description | Lens | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-1 | WS | Eye level | Static | Master: full dining room, family seated | 24mm | 8s |
| 4-2 | MS Two-shot | Eye level | Static | Mother and daughter in conversation | 35mm | varies |
| 4-3 | CU | Eye level | Static | Daughter's reaction to the news | 85mm | 3s |
| 4-4 | CU | Slight low | Static | Mother's face, delivering the news | 85mm | 4s |
| 4-5 | Insert | High angle | Static | Daughter's hand gripping the table edge | 50mm macro | 2s |
In Practice
On professional sets, the assistant director uses the shot list to estimate how many setups can be completed per day (typically 15 to 30 for narrative work, more for commercials). The shot list directly drives the production schedule, making it one of the most practically important documents in filmmaking.
Genkee's Storyboard Agent generates shot breakdowns that pair a text-based shot list with visual storyboard frames, giving you both the logistical plan and the visual reference in a single workflow.